Is there a better alternative?

The Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA is a clear alternative. It has a slower CPU that still provides competitive performance out of the box, and its battery life benefits from a Full HD display that’s also better than many premium panels. It’s economical as well, at $850 – but that nets you a lower configuration with a Core i5-8265U, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. That’s cheaper than the Envy 13’s full price, but the HP’s current $799 sale price make it a slightly better buy.

　　The Dell XPS 13 is another challenger, with similar performance, better build quality, and a concomitant higher price. You’ll spend $1,749 ($1,519 on sale) for the same Core i7, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and 4K touch display. That makes the XPS 13 a more premium yet more expensive option.

　　Finally, if you want to hold onto that discrete GPU and would like to get a 13.9-inch display in a smaller chassis, then the Asus ZenBook S13 UX392FN is a good option. It has a more solid build quality, a very nice Full HD display, and great performance. You’ll pay a bit more, though, at $1,400 for a Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB GB SSD.

　　

How long will it last?

The HP Envy 13 doesn’t feel quite as robust as its most expensive competition, but it’s solid enough to evoke confidence that it will last as long as you need. The 1-year warranty is industry-standard, and disappointing as always.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Envy 13 provides an attractive combination of good looks, performance, and price.